The Gabby Petito Case: Media Coverage and Systemic Inequities

The recent media frenzy surrounding the Gabby Petito case highlights significant questions about the allocation of media attention and the underlying inequities in our systems that are often ignored or marginalized. As someone who has experienced the cold silence following the disappearance and untimely death of a beloved sibling, I bring a unique perspective to this discussion.

Media Coverage and Systemic Issues

The Gabby Petito case garnered an unprecedented amount of media coverage. According to many, it seemed to captivate the world. However, the coverage raises important questions about why such attention has not consistently been given to other missing persons cases, particularly those involving marginalized communities.

One major reason for the attention on the Gabby Petito case is the gap in assistance that victims of domestic violence often face. This gap is often not well understood or is overlooked by those who are supposed to help, such as police officers.

Systems designed to assist those experiencing domestic violence are often lacking. Social workers, who receive more education and training, could play a more significant role in ensuring better care and prioritization for such cases.

The Impact of Media Coverage in Disproportionate Cases

While the Gabby Petito case did receive a more significant share of media attention, there are countless other missing individuals whose cases go unnoticed or receive minimal coverage. These individuals are often from marginalized communities, frequently homeless, or belonging to communities that are often overlooked by the media.

The case of my sister, Jessica, who went missing and was found deceased, serves as a poignant reminder of the systemic issues at play. While my family is Hispanic, the approach to her case differed from that of other individuals, particularly those who do not fit the "pretty white girl" category often favored by media and public attention.

Marginalized Communities and Missing Person Cases

Homelessness is one of the underlying factors that contributes to the disappearance and usually, the lack of attention given to these cases. Many systems in place are not designed to assist missing persons, especially those with a history of homelessness.

The differences in media attention and system responses can also be stark when the missing person is Black. Cases involving Black men, such as Jelani Day, Daniel Robinson, and Xavion Smith, often do not receive significant media attention until days or even weeks after their disappearances.

Black women also frequently go missing, but their cases often do not receive the same level of media coverage. Advocacy groups like Our Black Girls have emerged to honor and highlight these stories that are frequently overlooked or ignored by mainstream media.

Indigenous People and Missing Individuals

Indigenous people also face significant challenges with missing persons cases. The Guardian recently published an article discussing the many missing and murdered Indigenous people who do not receive the publicity that others do. A disturbing report released a few days ago showed that a large number of Indigenous individuals who go missing are missing for more than a year.

Conclusion and Advocacy

Ultimately, the Gabby Petito case has brought to light the systemic inequities in how missing persons cases are handled and covered. Our current missing person systems historically favor individuals who look like Gabby Petito. This is a stark reality that many of us understand on a personal level, even if we wish it were not the case.

As someone who works in media, I acknowledge that this is a failure that needs to be remedied. We need more media coverage of these matters to ensure that all missing persons receive the attention they deserve.

Even media professionals find it challenging to advocate for more exposure and coverage of these cases. Dismantling and changing the systems in place is an ongoing and critical task. Ensuring a fair and streamlined process for those who have lost loved ones is also essential.